Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness and Mental Imagery Training on Cortisol levels, Anxiety, and Self-Confidence in Officer Students

Abstract

Anxiety and self-confidence are factors that affect performance. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of mindfulness and mental imagery training on the psychophysiological response of anxiety and self-confidence in students’ officer. This method was semi-experimental. 45 male officers who voluntarily participated in this study and randomly assigned to two experimental groups (mindfulness and mental imagery) and one control group. The score of anxiety and self-confidence, as well as levels of salivary cortisol were measured in three groups. The experimental groups performed 6 sessions of specific training. Finally, the post-test has conducted in three groups according to the pre-test. The results indicated that mindfulness and imaging training had a significant effect on the level of salivary cortisol, anxiety, and self-confidence. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of effectiveness (p > 0.05). In general, it can be concluded that mindfulness and mental imagery training could be a strategy to reduce anxiety and improve self-confidence in officer students. Therefore, it is suggested to the providers and teachers in the military organs that by holding workshops and using these strategies to reduce anxiety and enhance self-confidence and consequently to improve students’ performance.Therefore, it is suggested to the providers and teachers in the military organs that by holding workshops and using these strategies to reduce anxiety and enhance self-confidence and consequently to improve students’ performance.

Keywords

• anxiety
• mindfulness
• mental imagery
• officer students
• self-confidence